I hold great empathy with Jacob who literally (and metaphorically) wrestled with God. What a human endeavor! He was not alone in the spiritual giants. David and Job, too, wrestled with God, casting their questions and doubts and crying out with great emotion. Jeremiah tried to withhold his words and could not help but speak because
there is in my heart as it were a burning fire
shut up in my bones,
and I am weary with holding it in,
and I cannot. ~ Jeremiah 20:9
Saul did not wrestle but rather kicked “against the goads” (Acts 26:14). This was perhaps a different kind of wrestling!
Wrestling is a natural part of life. At times it is even necessary for growth. But wrestling itself does not bring peace. And peace is something we all long for, deep down.
Peace is not found in busyness or numbness. It is not found in ignoring our problems or glossing over the real raw or broken state of our hearts. It is not found in iron discipline or rigid legality or signing up for every church event. It was Amy Carmichael who said, “In acceptance lieth peace.”
Peace has much to do with looking at God and letting go of our own tight-fisted desires. Peace lies in accepting – God’s will, God’s decisions, God’s sovereignty over everything in my life. This is not so much a call to throw up one’s hands and give up in despair. Rather, we must do our best with what we can see and leave the rest (stop picking it back up to worry about it!) in God’s capable, sovereign hands. We must trust Him, with our lives, with our hearts, with His will.
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you. ~ Isaiah 26:3
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ~ John 14:27
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ~ Matthew 6:31-33
Photo by Alexandr Popadin on Unsplash
